Chiropractic Therapy and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Theresa Dale
PhD, NP, CCN
Introduction to PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a health problem that can affect a woman's menstrual cycle, ability to have children, hormones, heart, blood vessels, and appearance. With PCOS, women typically experiment symptoms below, therefore, to accurately determine hormone levels use the "Five Element Saliva Test".
• High levels of androgens. These are sometimes called male hormones, although females also produce them.
• Missed or irregular periods
• Many small cysts in their ovaries.
How many women have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
According to traditional medical research, about one in ten women of childbearing age has PCOS. It can occur in girls as young as 11 years old. PCOS is the most common cause of female infertility (not being able to get pregnant). What we need to look at now are the causes and treatment.
What causes polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
According to traditional medicine, the cause of PCOS is unknown. Most researchers think that more than one factor could play a role in developing PCOS and they are correct.
With that said, I have researched and concluded along with reports from thousands of our health provider's patients that the "causes" of PCOS can include hormone imbalance, dental infections (root canals, implants), blood sugar/insulin, heavy metals, toxic diet, glyphosate toxicity, nuclear radiation toxicity and environmental/chemical toxicity.
Insulin as a potential Cause: Insulin is a hormone that controls the change of sugar, starches, and other food into energy for the body to use or store. For many women with PCOS, the body has problems using insulin so that too much insulin is in the body. Excess insulin appears to increase production of androgen. This hormone is made in fat cells, the ovaries, and the adrenal gland. Levels of androgen that are higher than normal can lead to acne, excessive hair growth, weight gain, and problems with ovulation.
Moreover, Genes are thought to be one factor, however, using the science of epigenetics, it's easy to understand that any genetic imprint does not have to manifest.
What tests are used to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
There is no single test to diagnose PCOS. If testing is done via Five Element Saliva, you can see the connections between cortisol levels, acupuncture meridians, organs and emotions-all in one test. For example, most women who have PCOS will have an elevated Androstenedione and possibly cortisol levels are also elevated, which can be related to blood sugar, however, other hormones like Progesterone could be depressed.
However, to get the diagnosis right, there are three types of testing (Blood, Urine and Saliva) that are necessary to get a complete picture as follows.
1. 5 Element Saliva Testing that incorporates testosterone, Androstenedione, Five cortisol levels, along with 2 progesterone's (PI and 170H), Free Testosterone, DHEA, and the three types of estrogens (estradiol, estrone and estriol).
2. The Dale Panel (blood test) which includes Free T3, Free T4, TSH and Thyroid Peroxidase ab. Complete Wellness Panel (blood chemistry includinginsulin).
3. The last test is an advanced urine heavy metal test showing all heavy metals including cesium, boron, plutonium and uranium.
I also train providers in NeuroPhysical testing which is hands-on mind-body testing and takes 10 minutes tops once you learn the protocol.
What are the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)?
Not all women with PCOS share the same symptoms. These are some of the symptoms of PCOS:
Infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods, and/or irregular bleeding Infertility (not able to get pregnant) because of not ovulating Increased hair growth on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes-a condition called hirsutism.
Ovarian cysts
Acne, oily skin, or dandruff
Weight gain or obesity, usually carrying
extra weight around the waist
Insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Male-pattern baldness or thinning hair
Patches of thickened and dark brown or
black skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or
thighs
Skin tags, or tiny excess flaps of skin in the armpits or neck area Pelvic pain
Anxiety or depression due to appearance and/or infertility
Sleep apnea—excessive snoring and times when breathing stops while asleep
Why do women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have trouble with their menstrual cycle? Let's Look at the Normal Ovary and the Polycystic Ovary
The ovaries are two small organs, one on each side of a woman's uterus. A woman's ovaries have follicles, which are tiny sacs filled with liquid that hold the eggs. These sacs also are called cysts. Each month about 20 eggs start to mature, but usually only one matures fully. As this one egg grows, the follicle accumulates fluid in it. When that egg matures, the follicle breaks open to release it. The egg then travels through the fallopian tube for fertilization. When the single egg leaves the follicle, ovulation takes place.
In women with PCOS, the ovary doesn't make all of the hormones it needs for any of the eggs to fully mature. Follicles may start to grow and build up fluid. But no one follicle becomes large enough. Instead, some follicles may remain as cysts. Since no follicle becomes large enough and no egg matures or is released, ovulation does not occur and the hormone progesterone is not made. Without progesterone, a woman's menstrual cycle is irregular or absent. Plus, the cysts make male hormones, which also prevent ovulation.
Does polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) change at menopause?
Yes and no. Because PCOS affects many systems in the body, many symptoms persist even though ovarian function and hormone levels change as a woman nears menopause. For instance, excessive hair growth continues, and male pattern baldness or thinning hair gets worse after menopause. Also, the risks of complications from PCOS, such as heart attack, stroke and diabetes, increase as a woman gets older.
A vaginal ultrasound also might be used to examine the ovaries for cysts and check out the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. The uterine lining may become thicker if your periods are not regular.
How is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) treated?
There are both conventional answers and natural medicine protocols that can address this issue, but one needs to be aware of how Chiropractic can actually help with these symptoms along with Naturopathic Nontoxic protocol. During my 30-year practice as a Naturopath, Homeopath, Clinical Nutritionist and researcher, results and research indicate that the patient can have many complaints as listed below, however, the structural complaints also need to be addressed. Specifically, we want to address the liver, pancreas and sex hormone including thyroid vertebrae (C7, T5, T7, T9, L3) can be subluxated. This does not exclude other vertebrae subluxations. Therefore, our protocol is designed to address the mind-body. Of course, let's not forget how acupuncture meridians are woven into the tapestry of healing and how incorporating energy medicine produces the best results. Often, patients get results with just tappingthe homeopathic remedy into the vertebrae, along with implementing the entire protocol between visits.
Because conventional medicine believes there is no cure for PCOS, they use the following antiquated and potentially harmful methods with patients: Birth control pills, Diabetes medications and Surgery. Furthermore, "Ovarian drilling" (surgery) is used as a treatment, that might bring on ovulation. It is sometimes used when a woman does not respond to fertility medicines. The doctor makes a very small cut above or below the navel and inserts a small tool that acts like a telescope into the abdomen. This is called laparoscopy. The doctor then punctures the ovary with a small needle carrying an electric current to destroy a small portion of the ovary. This procedure carries a risk of developing scar tissue on the ovary. This surgery can lower male hormone levels and help with ovulation. But these effects may only last a few months. This treatment doesn't help with loss of scalp hair and increased hair growth on other parts of the body.
A completely natural protocol that uses strong specific enzymes, homeopathy and nutraceuticals along with a lifestyle modification has been shown to help dissolve fibrin and inflammation bringing great results in eliminating cysts. Of course, all causes should be discovered and addressed. Keeping a healthy weight by eating healthy foods and exercising is another way women can help manage PCOS. Eliminate processed foods and foods with added sugars. Include organic vegetables, and lean meats to help lower blood sugar (glucose) levels, improve the body's use of insulin, and normalize hormone levels in your body. Even a 10 percent loss in body weight can restore a normal period and make a woman's cycle more regular.
How does Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affect a woman while pregnant?
There appear to be higher rates of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia), and premature delivery in women with PCOS. Natural Medicine can prevent or reduce the chances of having these problems while pregnant.
Emotional effects of PCOS are handled with Homeopathic Medicine?
Having PCOS can be difficult. Many women are embarrassed by their appearance. Others may worry about being able to get pregnant. Some women with PCOS might get depressed. Getting Chiropractic and Homeopathic treatment for PCOS can help with emotions and help boost a woman's self-esteem.
Fertility medications
Lack of ovulation is usually the reason for fertility problems in women with PCOS. Natural medications have been successfully used for decades to facilitate normal fertility. Several traditional medications that stimulate ovulation can help women with PCOS become pregnant and do have side-effects. Even so, other reasons for infertility in both the woman and man should be ruled out before fertility medications are used. Also, there is an increased risk for multiple births (twins, triplets) with fertility medications.
Women with PCOS have greater chances of developing several serious, life-threatening diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer.
Recent studies found that:
• More than 50 percent of women with PCOS will have diabetes or pre-diabetes (impaired glucose tolerance) before the age of 40.
• Women with PCOS have a four to seven times higher risk of heart attack than women of the same age without PCOS.
• Women with PCOS are at greater risk of having high blood pressure.
• Women with PCOS have high levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.
• The chance of getting endometrial cancer is another concern for women with PCOS. Irregular menstrual periods and the absence of ovulation cause women to produce the hormone estrogen, but not the hormone progesterone. Progesterone causes the endometrium to shed its lining each month as a menstrual period. Without progesterone, the endometrium becomes thick, which can cause heavy bleeding or irregular bleeding. Over time, this can lead to endometrial hyperplasia, when the lining grows too much, and cancer.
Dr. Dale was diagnosed with and then cured herselffrom a uterine tumor at 22 years of age. This started her advanced Naturopathic training in Europe for 9 years. In 1994 she founded The Wellness Center for Research and Education, Inc. and The California College of Natural Medicine. Dr. Dale, the “Pioneer of Hormone Rejuvenation ”, evaluated over 20,000 patients with Five Element Saliva Testing using her homeopathic formulas NuFem & EndoPure (an alternative to dangerous HRT and BHRT). Call 866.962.6484 www.wellnesscenter.net
